Urine's colour is yellow but why? Scientists have answer

The colour of urine is yellow but why? It seems that the century-old mystery has finally been cracked.

Scientists from the University of Maryland and the National Institute of Health claim to have pinpointed bilirubin (BilR) as the substance responsible for making the liquid gold, as per a study in Nature journal, New York Post reported.

Electrolytes, water, and waste primarily constitute the Urine.


In 1868, scientists identified urobilin as the substance responsible for the yellow coloration in urine. However, the specific mechanism behind this coloration remained a mystery.

The process unfolds as red blood cells complete their life cycle, degrading into the vibrant orange pigment bilirubin after about six months. Typically, this pigment starts seeping into the gut, where it may either be expelled or partially reabsorbed.

Upon reaching the gut, the research reveals that microorganisms present in the intestines play a crucial role in transforming bilirubin into various other molecules. Gut microbes possess the enzyme bilirubin reductase, which converts bilirubin into a colorless byproduct known as urobilinogen.

Subsequently, urobilinogen undergoes spontaneous degradation into a molecule called urobilin, responsible for the familiar yellow coloration in urine.

FAQs:

Q1. Why is Urine yellow?
A1. In 1868, scientists identified urobilin as the substance responsible for the yellow coloration in urine. However, the specific mechanism behind this coloration remained a mystery.

Q2. What is urine consisted of?
A2. Electrolytes, water, and waste primarily constitute the Urine.